Perspective: Timing right for immigration fix

If this is indeed the moment the nation finally gets serious about comprehensive immigration reform, you won’t have to look long for the reason.

Look no further, in fact, than the November 2012 election.

When President Obama was swept back into the White House with the help of over 70 percent of the Hispanic vote, the message to Republicans was clear: expand your base and reach out to Hispanics, or be prepared to be the minority party for many years.

Now, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators — led by the persuasive voice of Florida Republican Marco Rubio — has agreed on an immigration plan to provide a path to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, including about 825,000 in Florida. The plan is in line with what President Obama is advocating.

Comprehensive immigration reform is long overdue, but the timing has never been better to get something accomplished. The last major revision of immigration laws came in 1986, with the most recent attempt in 2007, when President George W. Bush took a crack at it and failed. For helping lead the effort, Florida’s former Republican senator, Mel Martinez, paid with his political career.

But that was then. Now, with a Democrat in the White House, the GOP recognizes the urgent need to reach out to the fastest-growing demographic voting bloc in the nation. And with President Obama no longer facing an election, the politics line up perfectly to do what is right for the country.

“There is a new appreciation on both sides of the aisle — including maybe more importantly, on the Republican side of the aisle — that we have to enact a comprehensive immigration reform bill,” said Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain.

Truth is, this nation needs immigrants to keep our economy strong. We need farmworkers to harvest our oranges, strawberries and sugar cane. We need the world’s best and brightest minds to develop our sciences, industries and universities. The immigration system, as it stands, favors family members of those who’ve managed to make it here. Families are important, but it’s equally important to focus on meeting the nation’s workforce needs.

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, proposes giving law-abiding illegal immigrants temporary legal status, with the opportunity to apply for citizenship. He wants to let undocumented migrants earn a work permit and undergo a background check. The plan also would involve paying a fine, back taxes and learning some English. Those who commit serious crimes would be deported.

The proposal of the eight senators would start with border control, a key element for many Republicans. It also would make sure visitors don’t overstay visas and that employers use a verification system that ensures workers are here legally. The path to citizenship would be lengthy, but do-able.

Rubio’s strong support is critical, as he is a favorite of conservatives who in the past have been less than favorable to comprehensive reform, calling it “amnesty.” But these days, even talk show hosts like Sean Hannity, who hold so much sway over this issue, agree compromise must be found.

Even with Rubio’s support, passing meaningful legislation will be difficult. Many traditionalists, especially those who identify with the tea party, don’t like the change that immigrants bring.

But the timing will never be better to get something meaningful accomplished.

“If for some reason we fail in our efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform,” said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, “I do believe it will be many years before anyone is willing to try and solve this problem.”

In the spirit of fairness, equality and the chance for a bright future — the reasons immigrants want to come to the United States — comprehensive immigration reform deserves its place on the nation’s fast track.